Hydrophobic Copper Nanocluster Colloids for Fe3+ Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for detecting Fe3+ ions are complex, environmentally unfriendly, and lack sensitivity, particularly in the use of fluorescent probes which require cumbersome preparation and have limited application in detecting iron ions effectively.

Innovation Solution

A hydrophobic copper nanoclusters-containing colloidal solution is prepared by mixing Cu4I4 in an organic solvent with an aqueous solution of EuW10, utilizing a simple and pollution-free process, allowing for high sensitivity and selectivity in detecting Fe3+ ions through aggregation-induced emission phenomena.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If fluorescent probes are used to detect Fe3+ ions, then detection sensitivity can be improved, but the preparation method becomes complicated and environmentally unfriendly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection sensitivityVSAvoidpreparation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the fluorescent probe by replacing complex organic fluorescent probes with copper nanoclusters (Cu4I4) having specific nuclear structure and ligand composition. This parameter change simplifies the preparation process while maintaining high detection sensitivity for Fe3+ ions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite material system consisting of Cu4I4 nanoclusters with specific ligands (triphenylphosphine and iodide) embedded in a colloidal solution matrix. This composite structure provides both the fluorescent properties needed for sensitive detection and the simplicity of colloidal preparation methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If conventional fluorescent probes are used for Fe3+ detection, then detection capability is achieved, but the method is not environmentally friendly and lacks simplicity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidenvironmental friendliness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs copper nanoclusters that can be prepared in large quantities through simple colloidal synthesis and used for multiple detection applications. The Cu4I4 nanoclusters are stable yet can be easily synthesized and discarded after use, reducing environmental impact compared to complex organic fluorescent probes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The Cu4I4 nanoclusters inherently possess fluorescent properties that enable Fe3+ detection without requiring additional labeling or complex preparation steps. The nanoclusters self-assemble with triphenylphosphine ligands to form the fluorescent active species, eliminating the need for complex probe synthesis procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of manufacture

If simple preparation methods are used for fluorescent probes, then ease of manufacture is improved, but detection sensitivity and selectivity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepreparation simplicityVSAvoiddetection sensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the detection system into distinct functional components: Cu4I4 nanoclusters for fluorescent signaling, triphenylphosphine ligands for structural stability, and colloidal solution for dispersion. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall simplicity in preparation and high detection sensitivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution achieves a detection limit of 50 nM with high selectivity and sensitivity, enabling convenient detection of Fe3+ ions using a portable ultraviolet lamp, and retains fluorescence properties in a stable mixed solvent, making it economically viable and environmentally friendly.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing a simple and pollution-free process, allowing for high sensitivity and selectivity in detecting Fe3+ ions through aggregation-induced emission phenomena

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAggregation-induced emission: Fluorescence

Implementation Method 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSolvation: Solvation

Data Source

PatentUS20240351904A1METHOD FOR PREPARING HYDROPHOBIC COPPER NANOCLUSTERS-CONTAINING COLLOIDAL SOLUTION AND USE OF HYDROPHOBIC COPPER NANOCLUSTERS-CONTAINING COLLOIDAL SOLUTION IN DETECTING Fe3+

Publication Date: 2024.10.24 SHANDONG UNIV

AI summary

Disclosed are a method for preparing a hydrophobic copper nanoclusters-containing colloidal solution and use of the hydrophobic copper nanoclusters-containing colloidal solution in detecting Fe3+. The hydrophobic copper nanoclusters-containing colloidal solution is prepared by dissolving Cu4I4 in dimethyl sulfoxide to obtain a solution of Cu4I4 in DMSO, and then performing self-assembly of the solution of Cu4I4 in DMSO with a EuW10 solution.